Page 39 of Fate In Fiction

“That’s a whole other story.” One I don’t care to tell, but strive to become it. “Sorry about that day. That must have hurt.”

“Pain can be quite thrilling in the right moment.” Her hazel eyes widen as she takes a step back at her own comment. A light blush paints her makeup-free face, and she shrugs. “I mean, that came out wrong...” I take a step forward. Now she’s got my attention.

“Do explain, Josephine.” Curiosity muses through my voice, desperate for her to elaborate.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” She stammers for her words, walking past me and into the kitchen. “I undercooked the chicken for dinner. Then overcooked it.” Fine. I guess it’s best we shift gears.

“I can smell your ambition.” My voice drops as I take note of her nipples poking through her tank top. Would she enjoy the pain of my teeth clamping down on them as she comes?

“I’m learning, okay?” She’s adamant about changing the subject, so I let her. “I want to have a signature dish. Emery offered to help.”

“I can teach you more of the basics, little darlin’.” I walk up to her as her step brings her backwards until her back meets the counter. “All you need to do is ask.”

“That would require you to be home at a decent hour, Rookie.” I don’t miss the way her breathing hitches and her eyes flutter around my mouth. “I prefer to eat dinner before midnight.” Her head retracts, creating a bit more distance as her eyebrows shoot up in question. “You sure you really wanna teach me?”

Before I lean forward and cage her in against the counter, my fists ball as a tight smirk forms. “I’m sure there is a thing or two I could teach you,” I chime in a suggestive tone.

“Just when I thought you actually meant well.” Her arms cross with an eye roll, and I immediately feel guilty for continuing to bring this back to sex. I take a small step backward, ridding my mind of explicit scenarios.

“I’ll try to refrain from any more innuendos.” But maybe one day she won’t shoot me down.

“I’m the one with stronger self-control, remember?” The amount of sass she’s projecting still has me fighting against gripping her chin and telling her to watch her mouth before I put it to better use. There I go again. “I’m vocal about what I want.” Her shoulders straighten, perking up her tits. “You’d know if I wanted you.” Dare I act on this? I can differentiate sex and feelings, but can she? Hold off because she doesn’t need things messy, Emmett. I keep telling myself. I need us to follow through and have. Josie deserves her to find the freedom she’s begged for. But damn, I need to know what that bottom lip feels like between my teeth.

“I’m going to shower and change.” I undo my cufflinks, embracing self-restraint.

“Wait,” she says in rapid breath, and pushes off the counter, heading down the hall ahead of me. “How was work?”

“Can you stand still for one minute and finish the conversation?” I keep a few feet between us as she pauses, eyes the bathroom, and leans against its doorframe, blocking it. “Did you forget to flush?” My feet bring me closer.

“No. I just need to pick up my clothes.” The nerves in her tone are coming out strong, and I know she’s hiding something. “You can go in after me.”

“I’ll only be a second.” I chuckle, tempted to push past her. “I don’t care about your laundry.” Josie slides into the bathroom and shuts the door before I can even take a step, leaving me standing in the dark hallway, bewildered.

“You need to shut the door to pick up clothing?” I laugh and head into my room to grab some sweats. “Did you dress up as some nerdy book character for an online photo or something?” The bathroom door opens as she scurries like a guilty puppy not wanting to get caught red-handed. What’s she hiding? My cock twitches at the thought. She has needs as I do, but her acting on them and bringing a toy into the suite just doesn’t seem likely. The mayor’s daughter, though bold, still likes to uphold her proper image.

“The bathroom is all yours,” she calls out.

“I know. My last name is on the building.” I state, expecting her to walk down the hall back to the kitchen, but she remains in her claustrophobic nook.

“I’m giving up on making dinner tonight, Rookie. I’m ordering room service.”

I peek into her room as she settles with a book. “Did you hide your paraphernalia?”

“I’m too much of a good girl for that.” She glances down at her flowery book cover and laughs. “Reading is my drug of choice.”

“Your black book cover with roses gives the naughty but nice vibes.”

“It’s a love story that takes place in a cute small town.” She smiles sweetly.

“Yeah, I’ll pass. I remember my sister obsessing over that Sparks guy years ago.” Her mouth opens and shuts as she holds back a comment, eyes dancing around the room with amusement. With a small shrug and the return of her shy smile, she cracks open the book and removes the matching bookmark. I let her be and head to the bathroom for a cold shower. This woman is driving me up the wall.

JOSIE

“They still aren’t even, Jo,” my sister whines, looking at the French braid I have now done for the third time this morning. “Camp is having a special photographer to scout for a magazine ad, and I want to be chosen.” My sister had texted me last night, asking me to come over in the morning to help with her hair. I knew our mother wouldn’t be standing in line to help.

“Julianne, it’s summer camp.” I meet her eyes in the mirror. “I think the more rugged you look, the more of a chance they’ll choose you to promote their summer camp.”

“Please, this is Aspen we’re talking about.” She smooths her romper and takes a deep breath. “Lucas might notice me if I’m dressed up.”